Why does the English language have many words that are related? Wouldn’t life be simpler if we have fewer words to learn? See this group of verbs:
Movement: amble, stroll, scuttle, trot, march, jog, scramble, sprint
Although they are all used to convey movement of the body, they create very different effects in the writing. A good writer chooses the most suitable verb for the occasion. This makes the writing more lively and vivid.

Consider these sentences. How does the verb change the meaning?

  • The Idol contestant was singing.
  • The Idol contestant was screeching.
  • The Idol contestant was crooning

Try to see how many verbs you can use to describe the acts of
  • Sleeping
  • Eating
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Laughing

Ask yourself, what makes you choose one word and not another? What effect are you trying to achieve?